USDA Makes $350 Million Available to Protect and Restore Grasslands, Wetlands, and Working Lands

Posted by carolyn.miller, Community Contributor

Posted by carolyn.miller, Community Contributor

Community Contributor carolyn.miller

TOLLAND, CT - "The benefits of restoring, enhancing, and protecting agricultural lands and critical wetlands cannot be overstated." That was the response of Connecticut Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Thomas L. Morgart following USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack's announcement of the availability of $350 million nationwide to help landowners protect and restore key farmlands, grasslands, and wetlands.

The funding Vilsack referred to is provided through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), which was created in the 2014 Farm Bill to protect critical water resources and wildlife habitat, and encourage private owners to maintain their land for farming and ranching. Through the voluntary sale of an easement, landowners limit future development to protect these key resources.

ACEP's agricultural land easements not only protect the long-term viability of the nation's food supply by preventing conversion of productive working lands to non-agricultural uses, they also support environmental quality, wildlife habitat, and historic preservation and protection of open spaces. Native American Tribes, state and local governments and non-governmental organizations that have farmland or grassland protection programs are eligible to partner with NRCS to purchase conservation easements.

Wetland reserve easements allow landowners to successfully restore, enhance, and protect habitat for wildlife on their lands, reduce damage from flooding, recharge groundwater, and provide outdoor recreational and educational opportunities. Eligible landowners can choose to enroll in a permanent or 30-year easement. Tribal landowners also have the option of enrolling in 30-year contracts.

Statewide during FY2014 and FY2015, NRCS invested more than $5 million in ACEP funding to help landowners engage in voluntary conservation to provide long-term protection of an estimated 2,000 acres of farmland, grassland, and wetlands through conservation easements.

"USDA is committed to preserving working agricultural lands to help protect the long-term viability of farming across the country, as well as to restoring and protecting vital sensitive wetlands that provide important wildlife habitat and improve water quality," said Morgart.